Tissot SeaStar 1000 Chronograph Valjoux Limited Edition Diver

Look who’s just made a nice move! The Swiss-based watchmaker Tissot, the brand, which is mostly known for its relatively affordable timepieces for the younger generation, has released a limited edition version of its last year’s Tissot Seastar 1000 automatic chronograph. The problem for the Swiss brand’s faithful followers is that, powered by the legendary ETA Valjoux 7750 movement, the new Tissot SeaStar 1000 Chronograph Valjoux Limited Edition (ref. T0664141705700) is not only way cooler than a normal Seastar with a simple ETA mechanism that has a chronograph module simply slapped atop of it, but is almost twice as expensive.

Visually, the only difference between the original and the limited edition model is, of course, the dial of the piece that now sports a more advanced calendar module that displays not only current date, but also the day of week.

The rest, including the three color-keyed (blue in this instance) chronograph hands, as well as luminous hour, minute and small seconds hands, is the same. Frankly, for the price difference, I would like to see some more upscale features like, say, a bezel with either ceramic or at least anodized aluminum inlay. Well, even a better finished version of the movement with more elaborate decor on the oscillating weight would probably do, but no such luck.

From the point of view of hardware, the new SeaStar 1000 Chronograph Valjoux has its original ETA caliber C01.211 movement replaced by an older Valjoux 7750 caliber. Also made by ETA, the caliber is not necessarily more technically advanced than the newer engine, but has a mojo the size of Texas and is also known for its high reliability and hassle-free serviceability.

Also, compared to versions of the same mechanism installed in most sub-$1000 timekeepers, this one is more thoroughly regulator in-house and will probably show more precision out of the box, while less expensive watches with seemingly the same movement often require taking them to a local service professional to re-adjust them in order to keep good time.

As usual, the watch is equipped with a synthetic sapphire crystal front and a transparent cover on the back. Judging by the press photos that we have received, the display crystal on the back is either engraved or etched with a stylized image of a seahorse.

As for the price, the watch is expected to go on sale at some €1800 (around $2200-$2300, which seems to be definitely overpriced, since you can find a great number of Valjoux 7750-powered models in this price range that sport better design) and I am not sure whether you will be able to find one in an online outlet.